This will be the ninth series of the business-based reality show and Sugar will once again be joined by advisors Nick Hewer and Karren Brady.

The winner will not be given a job with Lord Sugar, but will instead receive a business investment of £250,000. Last year’s series was won by the memorably-named Ricky Martin, who used the money to set up his own recruitment company.

The Apprentice began on BBC2 in 2005 and was moved up to BBC1 two years later. The show has been a consistent ratings winner and a tenth series is already confirmed for 2014. However, its junior spin-off series, Young Apprentice, has now been cancelled.